LINDEN, TX – Aubrey Lynn England, from McKinney, Texas, was named Entertainer of the Year at the 12th annual Texas Music AwardsTM on March 22nd at the Texas Music Barn inside the Academy of Texas Music headquarters in Linden.

England was only the second female to garner the Entertainer award in the history of the Texas Music Awards. The first was Pauline Reese, who received the award twice.

England's amazing year was fueled by the release of "Whiskey and You" by Sherman, Texas, group, Chapter 11. The duet with Chapter 11's front man, Sean Franks, spent literally months on the Texas Music Charts, and received national recognition. The recording of the song also received the Texas Music Award for Record of the Year, an award bestowed upon songs which enjoy an elevated level of notoriety.

The Academy honored legendary performer, Freddie Steady Krc (pronounced "kurch"), with their Lifetime Achievement Award. The unsuspecting Krc was visibly moved by the presentation, and received a standing ovation as he took the stage. He will be enshrined with an exhibit commemorating his musical achievements in the future music museum which will be housed in a portion of the Academy building.

"One of the exciting things about this year's show was that, for the first time, visitors could enter the Texas Music Barn without negotiating a single stairway. The new ramp into the building is amazing," says Academy executive director Jinelle Boyd.

Boyd, who is also one of the producers of the show, remarked on its success, "Our outstanding volunteers are the secret weapons, once again making this a wonderful experience for all. As always, the performances were pure magic and the fans had a great time." She added, "When so many creative, artistic people converge at such an extraordinary event, you can actually feel the electricity in the air...perhaps because the underlying theme of the entire event, from the nomination period to the show itself and beyond, is about celebrating ALL of the nominees and their music, not just those who take home actual awards. It's a fabulous thing to be a part of."

The Academy of Texas Music, Inc. is a non-profit organization and the Texas Music Barn is the venue located inside the Academy's building at 301 E. Houston Street in Linden. As the Academy relies solely on the generosity of the public and private sector, donations of any size are welcome, and patrons are encouraged to join the Music Friends program at the Academy website, www.academyoftexasmusic.org.